Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), also known as crib or cot death because infants often die in their crib or cot affects tens of thousands of new parents around the world, every year. Sadly, for many of these deaths there is no known cause. SIDS is an unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old. Although the cause is unknown, there is speculation it may be associated with abnormalities in the portion of an infant’s brain that controls breathing and arousal from sleep.
Eugenie Pepper is a designer of award winning Plum Collections, a family owned business producing quality, fashion designed baby and children’s wear, available in the USA, UK and Australia. “In 2011 PLUM formed a partnership with SIDS and Kids to promote the safe sleeping message and created a baby sleeping bag which has become an essential item for new parents. They are considered to be a safer sleeping options compared to blankets as they keeps the baby’s head uncovered. Today PLUM donates a percentage of its profits from sleep bag sales to SIDS and Kids, a cause which we strongly support,” says Pepper.
SIDS and Kids works to find answers for parents by funding and supporting vital research into stillbirth, SIDS and safe sleeping practices. Through evidence based community education they aim to prevent these deaths and advocate for, and support, bereaved families. The SIDS and Kids National Scientific Advisory Group ensures recommendations provided by SIDS and Kids are based on the latest evidence.
Researchers have discovered some factors that may put babies at extra risk. They’ve also identified some measures you can take to help protect your child from SIDS. Perhaps the most important measure is placing your baby on his or her back to sleep. There is still a huge debate about what causes a baby to die in their sleep. It’s possible that for every baby that dies there is some one thing that has actually caused it no matter where in the world they are. No one knows yet.
According to Pepper: “SIDS is something that touches so many families around the world. Its impact is devastating on the parents and any siblings. Even though researchers around the world have been trying to find a solution, more funds are needed to continue the work in trying to find a solution. If we can help save just one little life then we will be very happy.”
Even though SIDS is a world-wide problem the World Health Organization says more than 99.8% of babies all over the world will NOT die of SIDS. Their research also shows that the poorer the country the safer babies sleep. Perhaps this could be attributable to co-sleeping with parents, breastfeeding, toxins in the water, the family unit, or maybe even genetics? Maybe all these, or none?
A lack of answers is part of what makes sudden infant death syndrome so frightening. It remains unpredictable despite years of research and it can strike without warning, usually in seemingly healthy babies who show no signs of suffering. Clearly, more needs to be done to find a solution to this awful, unknown dream stealer. That will only happen with ongoing financial support from the likes of PLUM Collections and others.
For more information, visit: http://www.plumcollections.com.au.